Joy found in gaming

Aberdeen Central sophomore also works, enjoys playing sports, drums

Aberdeen Central sophomore also works, enjoys playing sports, drums

February 18, 2008|By Emily Arthur-Richardt, earthur@aberdeennews.com

A day off from school on Friday meant a few hours of fun for Gage Potter of Aberdeen. As Potter played one of his favorite video games at Treasure I-LAN Computer Center, his face was a study in concentration. The 15-year-old's game of choice was Company of Heroes. "It's a strategy game," said Potter, who is a sophomore at Aberdeen Central High School. "It deals with things like World War II. I like war games." Potter said he enjoys the entertainment value video games provide to him. What he doesn't enjoy are the people who say the games promote and lead to violence. "People do that," Potter said. "It doesn't have anything to do with the games or the people that play the games." Not just a gamer: While Potter, who described himself as "funny," spends a few hours a week at Treasure I-LAN, video games don't take up all his time. "It's just something to do," the 15-year-old said. "Usually, when I have a day off, I come here, go to work and hang out with friends. We drive around or play basketball or football." Potter, who works at Aberdeen Central as a janitor, might also be found playing the drums. He's on the drum line at Central, and he's played since the sixth grade. "I knew that's what I always wanted to do," Potter said. "I'm always tapping around on things." He also enjoys being the oldest kid in his family, he said. Potter, the son of Heather Profeta of Britton and Shawn Potter of Aberdeen, has six half- or step brothers and sisters. "You get to boss them around when you're the oldest," he joked. Future plans: While he might know what he wants when it comes to having fun and spending time with his siblings, Potter said he's undecided about the future. "I have no idea what I want to do," he said. "I've wanted to be a drummer. I've wanted to be a basketball player. It changes all the time." Reporter Emily Arthur-Richardt; (605) 622-2314 or 1-800-925-4100 ext. 314; earthur@aberdeennews.com